Summer is still in full swing and there are plenty of delightful events and activities awaiting us around the state this month. Explore our 12 things to do in Michigan in August 2019.
August 1-3 JazzFest – Lansing
The 25th annual Lansing JazzFest will take place in the streets of Old Town, amidst art galleries and unique retail stores. This year’s event will offer a range of outstanding talent, from local favorites to regional and national acts. Many are appearing for the first time in Lansing. Be sure to explore this unique Lansing neighborhood in between acts. Pop over to Lansing Brewing Company or Michigrain distillery to quench your thirst.
August 1-3 Ribfest – Kalamazoo
If the heat of the summer gives you a hankering for good old fashioned BBQ, then Kzoo is the place to be this month. For more than three decades, thousands have gathered together for the city’s Ribfest. Proceeds benefit the Arc Community Advocates. They work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Arc empowers them to live a life that makes them part of the community. The event features great eats and cool beats. Lok for Jake Kershaw, Everclear, Joan Osborne, and Spin Doctors to take the stage.
August 2-4 Buy Michigan Now Festival – Northville
Admittedly we might be biased, but there is no better place to start off the month than this. Celebrate Buy Michigan Week at this 3-day party. This is a foodie’s delight. It’s chock full of Michigan-made foods like marinades, condiments, salsas, nuts, pasties, and pies. You’ll also find plenty of other local products. Shop for apparel and accessories. Try out some aromatherapy. Pick out new home furnishings or jewelry. Stop by the beverage g for a craft brew or glass of wine. Then enjoy cool sounds from talented local musicians. The Stemville Kids Zone has fun activities, based in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Entertain your kiddies through an educational experience.
August 9-18 Cheeseburger in Caseville – Caseville
Hundreds of campers line the shore. Parrots can be found on heads, hanging from golf carts, and riding on floats. That means Caseville is celebrating Jimmy Buffet. Join this 10-day soiree on the shores of Lake Huron, which is filled with Buffet-style tribute bands and original musicians. The colorful spectacle also includes flamingos, grass skirts and wacky designs. Don’t miss the Parade of Tropical Fools on Wednesday, August 14th. Watch the cardboard boat races. Enter a sand sculpture contest. Dive into the beach volleyball tournament. Lastly, you’ll even find some slime parties, which are new this year. There’s plenty to do whether you spend a day, a week, or just drop by while touring “the Thumb.”
August 9-11 Mint Festival – St Johns
Farmers in Clinton County have been growing mint for more than a century. Tt should come as no surprise then, that once a year they throw a festival to celebrate their favorite herbs. Check out the arts and crafts area. Shop the a flea market. Enter the photo contest. Be amazed as you browse the quilt show. Let the kids ride a pony or train. Gather the family for a little mini golf. Take in the vehicle show. There is plenty to do, so you’ll find something for the whole crew. Mint remains the star of the show. So you’ll find it available in a variety of forms including hard candy, chocolate, ice cream, oil, lip balms, and soaps.
August 15-24 Tour da Yoop, Eh – Upper Peninsula
Cyclists will treasure this chance to explore Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, by bike. Enjoy a phenomenal 10-section, 1,200-mile bike route. It circles the entire Yoop. Discover this gorgeous gem, while riding on paved roads and off main highways as often as possible. The goal is to see much more wildlife than cars. You can participate for all ten days. If that’s too much, just choose the one, two, or three-day ride. There’s an option for any schedule.
August 16-18 Melon Festival – Howell
Summer in Michigan is full of delicious produce, and little of it is sweeter than melons, so they deserve their own fest too, and Howell delivers. This 3-day spectacle includes a library book sale, melon roll, tot trot, a mascot dash, 5k/10k run, water wars, S.T.E.A.M. activities, melon patch fun & games, live music and dance performances, classic car show, animal magic, and canine stunt shows.
August 17 Woodward Dream Cruise – Southeastern Michigan
Appropriately enough, the World’s Biggest Car Cruise runs annually along historic Woodward Avenue, commonly known as the Motor City’s “Main Street.” Nearly a million and a half people from around the state and the nation will come to town to celebrate the region’s automotive glory. More than 50,000 muscle cars, street rods, custom, collector and special interest vehicles are expected to participate. They park and cruise from 9am to 9pm through the communities of Berkley, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Ferndale, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge, Pontiac and Royal Oak. Technically it’s a one-day event, but fans will tell you the cars can be seen cruising all week long.
August 17 International Festival of Holland – Holland
A new multi-cultural celebration is coming to Michigan’s west coast this summer. The International Festival of Holland is a one-day event that will feature dancers, musicians, storytellers, and visual artists representing the peoples and cultures of Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia as well as Central, South, and North America. The Mercado of the World will feature international cuisine and arts. The festival will be held in conjunction with the rededication of the Queretaro Fountain donated by Holland’s sister city, Santiago de Queretaro in Mexico.
August 22 Market at the Capitol – Lansing
One of our favorite summer traditions continues as the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) hosts the second of three Farmers Markets at the Capitol from 9am – 2pm. The market will be held on the East Lawn of the Michigan State Capitol Building in Downtown Lansing. More than 70 vendors from across the state will be on hand selling Michigan-grown and produced products ranging from fresh produce to flowers, meat, cheese, baked goods, and prepared foods.
August 24-25 Corvette Crossroads Show – Mackinaw City
Enjoy two Michigan classics as the delectable Corvette is celebrated in the shadow of Mighty Mac. Beginning Friday, Corvettes of various vintages will begin arriving in the Mackinaw City area, cruising and getting registered for Saturday’s festivities. On Saturday, hundreds of Corvettes will be on display at the Mackinaw Crossings Mall parking lot from 10am to 2pm. Saturday’s festivities will culminate with a parade of Corvettes across the glorious Mackinac Bridge, beginning at 7pm.
August 23-25 Fudge Festival – Mackinac Island
These days a trip to Mackinac Island is nearly synonymous with indulging in fudge so it only seems natural that the decadent treat that has been a staple on the island for more than a century would merit its own fest. Activities include fudge-making demonstrations and tastings, family games at Windermere Point, sampling specialty fudge-infused cocktails, a fudge egg hunt, fudge ball, and concerts in the park.
Join the conversation on social media and let us know which of our 12 things to do in Michigan in August 2019, you got a chance to enjoy. Tag @BuyMichiganNow in your posts. For our things to do in Michigan next month and other travel tips, be sure to visit our Michigan Tourism page.
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